Badia a Coltibuono Sangioveto 2016
A warm, savoury and concentrated wine offering an array of fragrant aromas of red fruits, balsamic notes, floral, toasty spice, vanilla and cloves all unfolding into the palate. Great structure is supported by balanced acidity and supple tannins through to an everlasting finish.
The wine is made from 100% Sangiovese vines, and from old vines. The vineyard is situated at 250 to 330 metres elevation, where breezes help to ventilate the vines and keep them healthy. The soils are clay loam with 15-25% clay, which retains water and minerals and nourishes the vines throughout the warm summer growth period; and limestone rock which is renowned for producing elegant wines. The vines are planted with predominantly south and east facing orientation to maximise exposure to the sun. The vineyard has been organically cultivated since 1995 and certified since 2003. No herbicides or insecticides have been used since 1985 and in 2013 the estate was certified by Delinat.
In 1980 when this wine was introduced, a pure 100% Sangiovese was not allowed in DOCG Chianti Classico. While many were innovating using international varieties, Badia a Coltibuono created a Super Tuscan made from 100% Sangiovese. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts at controlled temperatures below 28°C in 35 hectolitre upright oak tanks. Extended maceration on the skins, lasted 45 to 130 days, with manual punchdowns to maximise the expression of complexity and balance. The wine was matured for 14 to 16 months in 225 litre French oak barriques, of which no more than 10% were new.
| RRP | £42.75 |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Alcoholic strength | 14.5% |
| Grapes | Sangiovese 100% |
| Body | C |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | Yes |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Cork |
Badia a Coltibuono is steeped in history, dating back to 1051, when a community of Vallombrosan monks resided in an abbey built on the property, known as ‘Badia’. ‘Cultibuono’ comes from the Latin of the era meaning ‘good harvest’ and the land has always been cultivated the respectfully. Since the 2003 vintage, the estate has been certified organic. The 74 hectare estate, which covers the revered Monti subzone, was purchased in 1846 and has been passed down through six generations of the Stucchi Prinetti family. Currently the estate is run by the present generation, siblings Emanuela, Guido, Paolo and winemaker Roberto. Crafted in a gravity-fed winery, Roberto Stucchi, the winemaker, has always been an advocate of hands-off winemaking, allowing his wines to express the true aromas and flavour profiles of the region.
